The music of Saranac Thursdays

Tuesday

May 25, 2010 at 12:01 AMMay 25, 2010 at 1:09 PM

The onset of Saranac Thursdays are just a couple days away, and we'll have the full story in Fusion Thursday, but until then, here's a lineup of all the music that will pair with your brew this summer.

CASSAUNDRA BABER

May 27: Dashboard Nixon

With former Gridley Paige members and members of Cosmo, the band isn't lacking talent, but it's really its personality and song choices that make these guys work. The band primarily performs popular covers by groups such as B-52s, Toto and REO Speedwagon - you know, the groups that sing those songs you thought you'd never hear again but are glad you did.

June 3: Showtime

This popular local rock band has a smooth groove that makes ladies swoon and guys savor their brew. You'll love their covers of songs from bands such as Dave Matthews Band, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Paul Simon, John Mayer Maroon 5 and The Goo Goo Dolls,

June 10: Earl Pickens

This country band from Pennsylvania blew the selection committee - and us - away with its re-recorded version of U2's "Joshua Tree." With a bluegrass/acoustic country twang, they've given new life to the classic album - in a really great way. We can't wait to hear what else they do.

June 17: Last Call

These local guys do party rock and have become most known for their weekly live karaoke at The Electric Company.

June 24: Gridley Paige

From its advent in the 1990s playing Seattle-type grunge-based originals and covers to a fleeting contract with Sony records in the 2000, the group continues to stay at the forefront of the local music scene, drawing record-breaking crowds with high-energy covers of well-known songs spanning an array of eras and genres.

July 1: One Hard Krank

Hailing from Syracuse, this band does modern hard rock, with an occasional "twist," according to their MySpace page. They point to a high-energy performances, and "hit 'em hard attitudes" for their success.

July 8: Custom Taylor Band

The contemporary country band from Syracuse has since opened for such acts as Big & Rich, Craig Morgan, Mark Chestnut and Diamond Rio. Lead singer Chris Taylor recently recorded his latest CD, "Down at the Honky Tonk" in Nashville with well-known industry musicians, such as David Northrup (who's worked with Travis Tritt) and Jeff King (Reba McIntyre).

July 15: The Crazy Fools

This local favorite performs rock standards from such bands as Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Band, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, Phish and The Foo Fighters.

July 22: Enter the Haggis

Enter The Haggis blends elements of rock and pop with traditional Celtic fare, an art school eclecticism and a keen sense of arrangement. The band has even dabbled in roots, funk, and prog rock. They've been known to push the boundaries of what people think of as Celtic music and take pride in those grooves, melodies and lyrics.

July 29: Fulton Chain Gang

This local country-rock band with more than a decade of experience has shared the stage with such acts as. Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, Tracy Lawrence and Toby Keith, as well as Mark Chestnut and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Aug. 5: The Bourbon Mothers

Led by local musician Rocky Graziano, The Bourbon Mothers' unique take on rock and roll has earned them the respect from venues and fans across the Northeast and Midwest. Their musical style has been compared to The Foo Fighters, Train, Counting Crows and Ryan Adams and The Cardinals; they've even been described as bluesy-folk, garage rock or Americana-rock.

Aug. 12: Jimkata

Frequently on the same tour with moe., it's not hard to see why Jimkata's been described as "one of the best up-and-coming bands" by jambase.com. But they're not all jam band: think hair-raising rock n roll paired with a touch of synthesizers, sampling, and electronic drums. The band's inspiration from the world of improvisational and progressive music shows up in their song structure, textures, layers and vibrant world-conscious lyrics.

Aug. 19: Capital Zen

With a twist of funk, a shot of rock and a little bit of everything in between, this Glens Falls group gives off an explosive energy that's danceable, edgy and groovy.

Aug. 26: 3 Inch Fury

With the only heavy metal act in the lineup, this Syracuse band performs "loud 80's Metal with no shame," according to their MySpace page. They cover songs from bands, such as AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Def Leppard, Guns-n-Roses, Motley Crue, Ratt and Skid Row.

Sept. 2: Pre moe.down throwdown band to be announced.

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